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Burnout

There was a time I never thought I could run my own business. I have started many projects over the years: a nail business, fancy dress hire, countless DIY projects, and got fed up and quit. My confidence has been low in employment; I have worried about my ability to read and understand big words or to write letters or notes, due to not being able to spell very well. My grammar is terrible, I double-write words or miss words out completely - and my 'i's and 'e's are always the wrong way round. I struggle to pronounce certain words, too, but none of this was picked up on in school. I remember scoring very low on spelling tests and my English homework being returned with red pen crossing out spelling mistakes and a note saying that I "need to take more care with my work in order to make fewer errors". Reading in front of the class would send my anxiety through the roof and I would go bright red. I am unable to retain information about things I have no interest in, my style of learning is very hands-on; I must do it to remember it.  

 

So how do I manage to run an Autism and ADHD support business? It is about having solutions and strategies for anything that holds me back or makes me feel uncomfortable. Working with others who are neurodivergent and who have different strengths, has changed my life. My colleagues understand the challenges I face and are only too happy to help me with proof-reading documents (such as this one) and other things I find challenging. In return I accept that no one person can do everything. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and therefore staff should focus on where their strengths lie and not be expected to do something that might make them feel uncomfortable. We divide our workload according to who is strongest in each particular area.


In the past I have been so put off applying for jobs I see advertised, as individuals are expected to have seemingly no end of skills and experience. At other times, I have started jobs and been expected to do job’s way outside my job description. It is not surprising that neurodivergent individuals are reaching burnout stage in the work place, having time off with poor mental health, and then left with no confidence to step foot back into work. 

Many individuals who reach this stage of burnout end up applying for PIP(Personal Independence Payment) only to be turned down. Neurotypical individuals may struggle to understand how bad burnout is and how it can take years to recover from. Often we will hear sentences like "well, you managed to work before, you can do it again". If only it were that easy.


I now recognize when my body needs a break. Only recently I took a week out for me. I was curled up in bed for most of the time only doing things I really had to do - and even then it was with effort. Never feel bad for taking time out for yourself. With the right team, taking a week out from work will not be the end of your business. Not taking that week out, might be. Burnout is real, so look after yourself and avoid reaching a place you may struggle to recover from. 


For more information on burnout please visit NAS. 

 

 

 
 
 
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